TY - GEN
T1 - Future prospects for THz spectroscopy
AU - Walker, Christopher K.
AU - Kulesa, Craig
AU - Groppi, Christopher
AU - Golish, Dathon
PY - 2008
Y1 - 2008
N2 - Many of the most astrophysically important transitions of atoms and molecules occur at THz frequencies. These transitions allow us to probe the formation and evolution of stars, planets, galaxies, and even the Universe itself. A recent confluence of technologies involving mixers, local oscillators, micromachining, IF amplifiers, and digital signal processing now make the fabrication of large format (∼1000 pixel), heterodyne arrays at THz frequencies possible. Planned observatories at high altitude sites (e.g. the high Atacama and Dome A in Antarctica) and in the stratosphere (e.g. SOFIA and balloon-borne telescopes) can serve as platforms from which THz arrays can provide unprecedented access to a powerful window to the Universe. In this paper the scientific impact and technical roadmap to the realization and implementation of THz arrays will be discussed.
AB - Many of the most astrophysically important transitions of atoms and molecules occur at THz frequencies. These transitions allow us to probe the formation and evolution of stars, planets, galaxies, and even the Universe itself. A recent confluence of technologies involving mixers, local oscillators, micromachining, IF amplifiers, and digital signal processing now make the fabrication of large format (∼1000 pixel), heterodyne arrays at THz frequencies possible. Planned observatories at high altitude sites (e.g. the high Atacama and Dome A in Antarctica) and in the stratosphere (e.g. SOFIA and balloon-borne telescopes) can serve as platforms from which THz arrays can provide unprecedented access to a powerful window to the Universe. In this paper the scientific impact and technical roadmap to the realization and implementation of THz arrays will be discussed.
KW - Heterodyne arrays
KW - Interstellar medium
KW - Submillimeter astronomy
KW - Suborbital astronomy
KW - Terahertz spectroscopy
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U2 - 10.1117/12.790286
DO - 10.1117/12.790286
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:52249115145
SN - 9780819472304
T3 - Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
BT - Millimeter and Submillimeter Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy IV
T2 - Millimeter and Submillimeter Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy IV
Y2 - 26 June 2008 through 28 June 2008
ER -